How many brands of Ferrous Sulfate are registered with NAFDAC?

Our copy of the NAFDAC Green Book lists 30 Ferrous Sulfate products, held by 25 registration holders. That count includes combination products and listings that are no longer active, so check the status of any individual pack in the Green Book before relying on it. You can see the full list, with registration numbers, on our Ferrous Sulfate brands page.

Is Ferrous Sulfate made in Nigeria?

Of the 11 active Ferrous Sulfate registrations whose factory country our Green Book copy records, 10 are made in Nigeria and 1 is imported. The main sources outside Nigeria are India (1). Where a product is made is recorded separately from who holds its registration, and the two are often different companies.

Is ferrous sulphate the same as ferrous fumarate or ferrous gluconate?

They are the same iron in different packaging. Each 'ferrous' product is iron (Fe2+) bonded to a different partner molecule to form a salt — sulfate, fumarate, or gluconate. Once dissolved, your body absorbs the same elemental iron from all of them, and all three treat and prevent iron deficiency anaemia. The practical difference is how much actual iron each milligram of salt carries: ferrous fumarate is about 33% elemental iron (200 mg gives ~65 mg iron), ferrous sulfate about 20% (300 mg gives ~60 mg iron), and ferrous gluconate about 12% (300 mg gives ~35 mg iron). That is why similar-looking strengths on different packs can deliver quite different amounts of iron, and why prescribers dose in elemental iron — typically 60–65 mg one to three times daily for treatment. Ferrous gluconate's reputation for being gentler on the stomach is largely this arithmetic: less iron per tablet. If you switch between brands that use different salts, match the elemental iron rather than the salt milligrams — a pharmacist can do this in a glance.

What is the difference between 'blood tonic' and iron tablets?

In Nigeria, 'blood tonic' is the popular term used to describe iron supplements and haematinic formulations. There is no fundamental difference — blood tonics like Ranferon, Astyfer, and Chemiron are essentially iron supplements that also contain other nutrients such as folic acid, Vitamin B12, zinc, and Vitamin C that support blood formation. Simple ferrous sulfate tablets (such as Emzor Ferrous Sulfate) provide iron alone without the additional nutrients. Combination products (blood tonics) are popular because they provide multiple blood-building nutrients in a single capsule, which is convenient. Both are effective for treating iron deficiency anaemia, though your pharmacist or doctor can advise which is more appropriate for your specific situation.

Why does iron turn my stool black?

Black or very dark stools are a completely normal and harmless side effect of taking iron supplements. This discolouration occurs because not all the iron in the tablet is absorbed by your body — the unabsorbed iron passes through your digestive system and reacts with substances in the gut to produce a dark colour. This is not a cause for concern and does not mean anything is wrong. However, if your stools are not just dark but also tarry, sticky, or have a very foul smell, or if you see red blood in your stool, you should see a doctor as this could indicate gastrointestinal bleeding rather than a normal iron side effect.

When is the best time to take iron tablets?

Iron is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, ideally 30 minutes to 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after eating. Taking it with a glass of water and a Vitamin C tablet or orange juice significantly boosts absorption. However, many Nigerians find that taking iron on an empty stomach causes nausea and stomach discomfort. If this happens to you, it is perfectly acceptable to take it with a light meal — you may absorb slightly less iron, but you are more likely to take it consistently, which matters more in the long run. Avoid taking iron with tea, coffee, milk, or yoghurt as these significantly reduce absorption. Also avoid taking iron at the same time as calcium supplements or antacids.

How long do I need to take iron tablets to treat anaemia?

For iron deficiency anaemia, you typically need to take iron supplements for at least 3 to 6 months. Most people start to feel better (less fatigue, more energy) within 2 to 4 weeks of starting treatment, and blood tests may show improvement within 6 to 8 weeks. However, it is crucial to continue taking iron for at least 3 months after your haemoglobin levels have returned to normal, as this allows your body to fully replenish its iron stores. Stopping too early is a very common mistake in Nigeria and often leads to the anaemia returning. During pregnancy, iron is typically taken throughout the entire pregnancy and for at least 3 months after delivery. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise on the appropriate duration for your situation.

Ferrous Sulfate Price in Nigeria: Fesulf ₦5,750, generics cheaper

Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement used to prevent and treat iron deficiency anaemia, a condition that is alarmingly prevalent in Nigeria. According to health surveys, over 60% of Nigerian children under five and approximately 50% of pregnant women suffer from some degree of anaemia, with iron deficiency being the most common cause. In everyday Nigerian language, iron supplements are widely referred to as 'blood tonic' or 'blood builder,' and this term is so deeply embedded in local healthcare vocabulary that many Nigerians will walk into a pharmacy and ask specifically for 'blood tonic' rather than iron tablets. From the busy pharmacies of Ikeja and Surulere in Lagos to health centres in Maiduguri and Sokoto, ferrous sulfate and its related iron formulations are among the most frequently dispensed supplements in the country.

In the NAFDAC register

30 registered products

from 25 registration holders

In force20 active · 10 lapsed

Where made16 in Nigeria · 3 imported

Nigeria16

India3

factory country recorded for 19 of 20 active products

See all 30 registered brands →

What it costs online

about ₦5,870tablets

median of 8 listings

Also sampled: syrup (10 listings, ₦1,500–₦6,460)

≈₦15 per ml (syrup/suspension)

0% since July 2026 · like-for-like

Sampled from 18 listings across HealthPlus and MedPlus and NettPharmacy and Supermart.ng · August 2026

Full price breakdown →

Brands of Ferrous Sulfate in Nigeria

Comes as

Tablet200 mg· 8 makers

Those 30 products from 25 registration holders include combination products and older listings; below are the most common brands.

Ranferon
Ranbaxy (Sun Pharmaceutical)
Ferrous fumarate 305mg + Folic acid 0.75mg + Zinc 22.5mg + B12 7.5mcg · Capsule
Astyfer
Fidson Healthcare
Iron 50mg + Folic acid 0.5mg + B12 + other haematinics · Capsule · 04-2623
Chemiron
Chemiron International
Iron + Folic acid + B12 + Vitamin C · Capsule
Ferobin
Fidson Healthcare
Iron 20mg + Folic acid + B12 + Zinc · Capsule · 04-9722
Fesulf
Therapeutic Lab. (Nigeria) Limited
200mg · Tablet · 04-0476

Brand Name	Manufacturer	Strength	Form	NAFDAC Reg. No.
Ranferon	Ranbaxy (Sun Pharmaceutical)	Ferrous fumarate 305mg + Folic acid 0.75mg + Zinc 22.5mg + B12 7.5mcg	Capsule
Astyfer	Fidson Healthcare	Iron 50mg + Folic acid 0.5mg + B12 + other haematinics	Capsule	04-2623
Chemiron	Chemiron International	Iron + Folic acid + B12 + Vitamin C	Capsule
Ferobin	Fidson Healthcare	Iron 20mg + Folic acid + B12 + Zinc	Capsule	04-9722
Fesulf	Therapeutic Lab. (Nigeria) Limited	200mg	Tablet	04-0476

See all 30 registered Ferrous Sulfate brands

Ferrous Sulfate Price in Nigeria

As of August 2026, Ferrous Sulfate sells for about ₦5,870 for tablets online in Nigeria across HealthPlus and MedPlus and NettPharmacy and Supermart.ng — syrup/suspension ₦1,500–₦6,460, tablet/capsule ₦1,930–₦20,625. The online price is roughly unchanged since July 2026. That figure is for Fesulf; 11 other ferrous sulfate brands are NAFDAC-registered and generic versions usually cost less. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

Online retail (sampled)

₦6,250 for 100 tablets

₦5,000 for 28 tablets

Same medicine throughout — every listing contains iron, as ferrous sulfate, fumarate, gluconate or a similar salt. The difference is brand, pack size and salt, not the medicine's job.

Syrup/Suspension

median ₦5,500 · 10 listings

CheapestRanferon-12 Blood Tonic 100 ml(Supermart.ng)

₦1,500

PriciestAstyfer Iron & Minerals Syrup 200ml(HealthPlus)

₦6,460

Tablet/Capsule

median ₦5,870 · 8 listings

Better valueFesulf Ferrous Sulphate B.P. 200 mg x100 Tablets(Supermart.ng)

₦6,250₦63 per tablet

Costs moreFerrous Sulphate 200 mg 28 Tablets(Supermart.ng)

₦5,000₦179 per tablet

2.9× the price per tablet, both 200mg

18 listings across HealthPlus + MedPlus + NettPharmacy + Supermart.ng · August 2026.

Unchanged since July 2026.

How to Verify Your Ferrous Sulfate is Genuine

1Confirm that the product displays a valid NAFDAC registration number — all iron supplements sold in Nigeria must be NAFDAC-registered
2Verify the NAFDAC number using the official NAFDAC website (www.nafdac.gov.ng) or the NAFDAC mobile verification app available on Android and iOS
3Purchase iron supplements only from licensed pharmacies or accredited patent medicine stores — counterfeit haematinics have been intercepted by NAFDAC in the past
4For popular brands like Ranferon, Astyfer, and Chemiron, check for intact security seals, proper branding, batch numbers, and consistent packaging quality
5Check the expiry date before purchase and ensure the packaging is not damaged, faded, or showing signs of tampering
6Be cautious of unusually cheap iron supplements being sold in open markets like Idumota, Onitsha Main Market, or Head Bridge Market — significantly below-market prices often indicate counterfeit products

Use our NAFDAC Checker tool

Where to Buy

Buying Ferrous Sulfate by the carton

Cartons are bought at Nigeria's four open drug markets. Each guide names the sellers there you can contact, and how to buy safely:

No shop we list has Ferrous Sulfate on its confirmed product list yet — the market guides still tell you where the trade happens and how to buy there safely.

Wherever you buy, buy only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors — not roadside vendors — and verify the pack's NAFDAC registration before you pay. Buying Ferrous Sulfate in bulk or for resale? See how to buy medicines in bulk in Nigeria safely.

Need Ferrous Sulfate in bulk, or can't find it near you?

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What is Ferrous Sulfate?

Iron is an essential mineral that the body needs to produce haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to every tissue and organ in the body. When iron levels are low, the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to anaemia — a condition characterised by fatigue, weakness, pale skin and nails, shortness of breath, dizziness, and reduced ability to concentrate. In Nigeria, iron deficiency anaemia is driven by multiple factors including malaria (which destroys red blood cells), hookworm infections (common in rural areas), poor dietary iron intake, heavy menstrual bleeding in women, and the increased iron demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ferrous sulfate provides elemental iron that the body can use to restore haemoglobin levels and red blood cell production.

Ferrous sulfate is listed on the WHO Essential Medicines List and is a cornerstone of maternal and child health programmes in Nigeria. It is available in several forms including standard tablets, combination capsules (which include folic acid, Vitamin B12, zinc, and other nutrients), syrups for children, and drops for infants. Some of the most popular brands in Nigeria include Ranferon (arguably the most recognised blood tonic brand in the country), Astyfer, Chemiron, and Ferobin, all of which are combination haematinic formulations. The locally manufactured Emzor Ferrous Sulfate provides a more affordable, straightforward iron tablet option. These products are available without a prescription from pharmacies and patent medicine stores across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

What is Ferrous Sulfate used for?

In Nigeria, Ferrous Sulfate is commonly used for:

Treatment of iron deficiency anaemia — the most common type of anaemia in Nigeria, causing fatigue, weakness, pallor, and reduced physical and mental performance
Prevention of anaemia during pregnancy, when iron requirements increase significantly to support the growing baby and expanded blood volume — routinely prescribed at every antenatal clinic in Nigeria
Recovery from blood loss due to heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia), which affects many Nigerian women and is a leading cause of anaemia in women of reproductive age
Supplementation for children with nutritional anaemia, particularly in areas where dietary iron intake is inadequate or where malaria and hookworm infections are common
Supporting recovery from anaemia caused by malaria, which destroys red blood cells and is endemic across much of Nigeria
Post-surgical and post-partum recovery when blood loss has occurred and the body needs to rebuild its iron stores and red blood cell count

Dosage

IMPORTANT

Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.

Adults

For treatment of iron deficiency anaemia: 200mg ferrous sulfate (containing approximately 65mg of elemental iron) two to three times daily. For prevention in pregnancy: 200mg once or twice daily, commonly taken alongside folic acid. Combination products like Ranferon and Chemiron are typically taken as one capsule once or twice daily depending on the severity of anaemia and the specific product.

Children

Children aged 6-12 years: 200mg ferrous sulfate once daily. Children aged 2-5 years: Iron syrup is preferred — typically 2.5ml to 5ml of ferrous sulfate syrup (25mg elemental iron per 5ml) once or twice daily. Infants from 6 months: Iron drops as directed by a paediatrician, usually 0.5ml to 1ml daily. Dosing should be based on the child's weight and severity of anaemia — always consult a healthcare provider for children.

Elderly

Standard adult doses apply, but elderly individuals should start with a lower dose (200mg once daily) and increase as tolerated, as they are more prone to constipation and stomach upset from iron supplements. Elderly patients with chronic kidney disease or other conditions should have their iron supplementation guided by a doctor.

Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, ideally taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals. However, if it causes stomach upset, it can be taken with a light meal. Taking iron with Vitamin C (such as orange juice or a Vitamin C tablet) significantly enhances absorption. Avoid taking iron with tea, coffee, milk, or calcium supplements as these reduce absorption. Do not take iron tablets at the same time as antacids, tetracycline antibiotics, or ciprofloxacin — space them at least 2 hours apart.

Side Effects

Common side effects

•Black or dark-coloured stools — this is completely normal and harmless, caused by unabsorbed iron, but can be alarming to patients who are not warned beforehand
•Constipation — one of the most common complaints, especially in pregnant women already prone to constipation
•Nausea and stomach cramps, particularly when taken on an empty stomach
•Metallic taste in the mouth
•Temporary staining of teeth with liquid iron preparations (can be minimised by using a straw or dropper)

Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately

Iron overdose (iron poisoning), which is a medical emergency especially in children — symptoms include severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and can be fatal if untreated
Severe allergic reaction including rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing (rare with oral forms)
Iron overload (haemosiderosis) from chronic excessive supplementation, which can damage the liver, heart, and pancreas
Severe constipation or bowel obstruction in rare cases, particularly in elderly patients

When to see a doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if a child accidentally swallows iron tablets, as iron poisoning can be fatal in children. Also see a doctor if you experience severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, bloody or tarry stools beyond the normal dark discolouration, persistent severe constipation, or any signs of allergic reaction. If you are taking iron for anaemia and do not feel better after 4-6 weeks of treatment, consult your doctor as further investigation may be needed.

Warnings & Precautions

Do not take Ferrous Sulfate if you have:

Do not take if you have haemochromatosis (iron overload disorder) or haemosiderosis, as additional iron supplementation could be dangerous
Not recommended for people with peptic ulcer disease or inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) without medical supervision, as iron can worsen these conditions
Do not give iron supplements intended for adults to children — accidental iron overdose is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6 years
Avoid in patients receiving repeated blood transfusions, as these already increase iron levels significantly

Drug interactions

•Tetracycline and doxycycline antibiotics — iron significantly reduces the absorption of these antibiotics; space doses at least 2-3 hours apart
•Ciprofloxacin and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics — iron reduces their absorption and effectiveness; take at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after iron
•Antacids (aluminium, magnesium, calcium-based) — reduce iron absorption; space at least 2 hours apart
•Levothyroxine (thyroid medication) — iron reduces its absorption; take at least 4 hours apart
•Tea, coffee, and dairy products — the tannins in tea and coffee and the calcium in dairy significantly reduce iron absorption; avoid consuming these within 1-2 hours of taking iron

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Iron supplementation is strongly recommended during pregnancy and is a standard component of antenatal care in Nigeria. The WHO recommends daily iron and folic acid supplementation for all pregnant women to prevent anaemia, which is associated with increased risk of maternal and infant mortality. Ferrous sulfate is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding at recommended doses. Most Nigerian antenatal clinics prescribe iron from the first antenatal visit and continue throughout pregnancy and for at least 3 months after delivery. Small amounts of iron pass into breast milk, but this is beneficial for the breastfeeding infant and does not cause harm.

Used for these conditions

Anaemia (Shortage of Blood)Intestinal Worms

Related Resources for Ferrous Sulfate

Guides, articles, and tools related to Ferrous Sulfate and other vitamins & supplements medicines in Nigeria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

•NAFDAC Greenbook — the official database of all products registered with Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Brand-level NAFDAC numbers for Ferrous Sulfate on this page were cross-referenced against the Greenbook.
•WHO Model List of Essential Medicines — Ferrous Sulfate is included in the WHO's list of essential medicines, meaning it is considered essential for basic healthcare needs.
•British National Formulary (BNF) dosing and interaction guidance for Ferrous Sulfate.
•Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health).

Last updated: 15 August 2026

Daily puzzle: Meddle — pair five brands with their medicines. New game at midnight.

Ferrous Sulfate